207: Brian Edwards KNOWS Friendship, Loyalty, Entertainment, Media & Brian Edwards
ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones
Release Date: 10/10/2025
213: John Abendshien KNOWS Movies, Healthcare, Curiosity Gone Wild, Human Nature, Kevin McCallister & Home Alone Home Ownership
ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones
Imagine your home suddenly transformed into a Hollywood icon. That's precisely what happened to John Abendshien, whose real-life house became the star of "Home Alone." More than just a film set, it turned into a character of its own, filled with traps and slapstick chaos that helped make the movie a global hit. Decades later, the house remains legendary. Tourists visit, merchandise abounds—even gingerbread replicas exist. In his new book, "Home But Alone No More," Abendshien shares the fascinating behind-the-scenes story: how the location was chosen, what filming was like, and...
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212: Mark Malkoff KNOWS Entertainment, Comedy, Late Night TV, Obsessive Behavior & Johnny Carson
ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones
Mark Malkoff is a comedian, writer, and podcast host. He has been featured on Today, Good Morning America, CNN, NPR's Weekend Edition, and for eight years hosted the popular podcast The Carson Podcast. His new book, "Love Johnny Carson," is a wildly entertaining account by one of the world's most obsessed and informed fans of TV icon Johnny Carson, setting the record straight on Carson's legacy and shining a light on the personality behind the legendary comedian and talk show host. Carson aficionado Mark Malkoff has amassed more Carson stories from original sources than anyone in...
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211: Robin Hauser KNOWS Documentaries, Egg Freezing, Human Nature & Courageous Women
ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones
Once a niche medical procedure, egg freezing is now a billion-dollar industry that promises women the ability to pause their biological clocks and extend their reproductive choices. For some, it’s a path to empowerment; for others, it’s a costly gamble in an unregulated system with no guarantees. Through the experiences of three American women navigating the process, this documentary examines the realities behind the growing trend—who has access, who profits, and what’s at stake. With insights from medical experts, ethicists, and industry leaders, the film...
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210: Kevin Goetz and Bob Levin KNOW Movies, Storytelling, Creative Instinct, Audience Insight & Box Office Success
ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones
Dive into the behind-the-scenes world of the movie business, where entertainment strategist Kevin Goetz reveals the pivotal intersection of creative instinct and audience insight. This is the sweet spot where the business of film meets the art of storytelling. When it comes to cinematic success, every detail matters—from early concept to the final marketing push. "How to Score in Hollywood" is a playbook for guiding movie-making decisions at every turn. Drawing from nearly four decades of experience, Goetz shows how films can be made and marketed to turn a profit by aligning creative...
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209: B.A Crisp KNOWS Empathy, Resilience, Spirituality, Cognition & Ghost Management
ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones
This episode will help you start to understand how to embrace your emotional ghosts and transform them into catalysts for healing and growth. Her third appearance with Randall Kenneth Jones, B. A. Crisp is a strategist at Crisp Concepts, Inc., in Herndon, VA. Her professional portfolio ranges from psychiatric assessment specialist to adviser with the Department of Homeland Security’s Science & Technology Directorate, where she collaborated on anti-human trafficking research. She also lent her expertise to Homeland Security Investigations on Illicit Finance Crimes and Gangs. ...
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208: David M. Lubin KNOWS Art, Film, Subtext, Motivation, Education, Human Nature & Sunset Boulevard
ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones
This episode will help you understand how art—specifically cinema—can grow in importance over time, and our ongoing exploration of art continues to shed valuable light on the human condition. #ArtIsLife Today, more than 70 years after it premiered, "Sunset Boulevard" remains the finest ever movie made about the pathology of fame: those who lose it, those who abuse it, and those who never attain it at all. Great films are born of great collaborations, and "Sunset Boulevard" represents one of the most extraordinary confluences of cinematic talent in film history. Still,...
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207: Brian Edwards KNOWS Friendship, Loyalty, Entertainment, Media & Brian Edwards
ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones
This episode will help you KNOW more about the value of thoughtfully capturing and sharing one's legacy, accepting your past, including the highs and the lows, and giving credit where credit is due. In the mid-1980s, LGBTQ+ trailblazer Edwards carved his path alongside icons like Donna Summer and Joan Rivers. Over the decades, he built a reputation as a multi-award-winning talent executive, client relations rep, producer, writer, and occasional performer – working with some of the most recognizable names in show business: Cindy Crawford, Susan Sarandon, Melissa Rivers, Whoopi Goldberg,...
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206: Michael Seth Starr KNOWS Entertainment, Wordplay, Comedy, Exploration & Rodney Dangerfield
ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones
This episode will help you KNOW more about the value of thoughtfully capturing and sharing one’s legacy—and giving credit where credit is due. Michael Seth Starr covered television at the New York Post as a reporter, columnist, critic, and editor for over 28 years. He has written a filmography of Peter Sellers and biographies of Rodney Dangerfield, Don Rickles, Bob Newhart, Art Carney, Joey Bishop, Bobby Darin, Raymond Burr, William Shatner, Redd Foxx, and Ringo Starr. He has made frequent appearances on television, including The Today Show, Access Hollywood, Good Morning America,...
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205: Bob Burg KNOWS Lifelong Learning, Loyalty, Leadership & How to Give and Receive
ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones
After listening to this very personal episode, you will KNOW more about the importance of, not just finding, but understanding joy. For more than 30 years, Bob Burg has been successfully showing entrepreneurs, leaders, and sales professionals how to build relationships, communicate their value, and accelerate their business growth. Although for years he was best known for his sales classic, "Endless Referrals," it's his business parable, "The Go-Giver," co-authored with John David Mann, that has created a worldwide movement. While part of a four-book series, "The Go-Giver" itself has sold well...
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204: Tribunal Justice Judge Adam Levy KNOWS Right vs. Wrong, Accountability, Critical Thinking & Family Values
ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones
Adam Levy brings over 25 years of diverse legal experience to the bench, serving as one of three judges on Prime Video's Tribunal Justice, created by Judge Judy Sheindlin. Podcast Highlights: • Levy talks about being part of a legal dynasty, including his mother, Judge Judy Sheindlin • Levy discusses how the "rule of law" applied at home • Levy shares the importance his mother's work ethic had on his professional development • Levy shares a funny story of how his mother accepted a job on his behalf early in his career • ...
info_outlineThis episode will help you KNOW more about the value of thoughtfully capturing and sharing one's legacy, accepting your past, including the highs and the lows, and giving credit where credit is due.
In the mid-1980s, LGBTQ+ trailblazer Edwards carved his path alongside icons like Donna Summer and Joan Rivers. Over the decades, he built a reputation as a multi-award-winning talent executive, client relations rep, producer, writer, and occasional performer – working with some of the most recognizable names in show business: Cindy Crawford, Susan Sarandon, Melissa Rivers, Whoopi Goldberg, Farrah Fawcett, Shirley Jones, Naomi Judd, and Vanessa Williams—just to name a few. His legacy even takes the stage in the Tony-nominated "Summer: The Donna Summer Musical," where Edwards is portrayed—reminding us that the voices behind the scenes deserve to be honored just as boldly as those in front of them.
Now, Edwards returns with his third collection of life stories, "Come Sit With Me and Let's Talk"—an unfiltered, heartfelt companion to "Enter Miss Thang" (2013) and "I Might Have Been Queen" (2019). This latest volume distills Edwards' singular journey into the intimacy of a heart-to-heart, blending the most memorable stories from his earlier books with fresh recollections, untold chapters, and photos. He shares the triumphs and trials that shaped a career defined by resilience, recognition, and influence—offering perspective, encouragement, and the kind of advice that only comes from living it.
A proud godparent to Cariss, Justus, and Ruel, Edwards resides in Los Angeles and remains an active member of The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences and The Country Music Association, while supporting organizations such as God's Love We Deliver and The UCLA Library.
Podcast Highlights:
- Brian and Randy begin by honoring Naomi Judd and their shared experience learning of her passing.
- Brian and Randy discuss their similarities and the importance of storytelling.
- Randy gives thanks to Brian for introducing him to Melissa Rivers, Jenifer Lewis and Ali Landry.
- Randy and Brian share their love and admiration for Miss Helen Williams, Vanessa's mother.
- Brian discusses his relationships with his mother and his "second mother," Joan Rivers.
- Randy shares his opinion that Brian's book is a "love story" and gives a special shoutout to Lena Horne.
- Brian shares his goal of inspiring LGBTQ youth to learn from his story growing up amidst challenges in a small town.
- Randy and Brian discuss the positive reaction to his book among today's youth, despite his childhood stories originating primarily in the 80s, including how various teachers handled his personality and flamboyance. Brian shares his views on his own independent nature.
- Brian shares his admiration for the song "What I Did For Love" from "A Chorus Line" and explains how he relates to its message of sacrifice and joy.
- Brian and Randy discuss their shared love of Shirley Jones, and Brian shares his lifelong crush on Shaun Cassidy.
- Brian and Randy discuss their shared love of Pat Benatar with a special shoutout to the new Benatar/Giraldo Broadway-bound musical, "Heartbreaker."
- Brian discusses the importance of a sense of humor in all aspects of life.
Best Quotes (from the book and the podcast episode):
- Brian Edwards: "Anywhere I go, anything I'm involved with, it's all about the story. It calms my insecurities, and it opens my eyes to my blessings."
- Brian Edwards: "Success isn't reserved for the conventional. Being unapologetically [yourself] is a strength and not a liability."
- Brian Edwards: "IT'S A WIDELY ACKNOWLEDGED TRUTH that all gay men have women in their lives whom they cherish deeply—while it may not mirror the way a straight man loves a woman, it's a form of love in its own right."
- Brian Edwards: "All I ever asked for was opportunities; if that didn't happen, I created them."
- Brian Edwards: "When you're truly in your element and your work reflects your authentic self, it forms a natural connection. Those who resonate with it will find their way to you."
- Brian Edwards: "I pride myself on being one of the most supportive people anyone could ask to have in their lives. I love to see people's careers progress. I always have and I always will. It fuels me in so many ways."
- Brian Edwards: "I learned many years ago, the haters will hate, but… they are taking notes."
- Brian Edwards: "My loyalty and humor are the greatest gifts that I've shared with my chosen family and with those who've understood me—those who've rallied behind my vision and respected my choices."
- Randall Kenneth Jones: "I don't interview; I adopt."
ON THE KNOWS with Randall Kenneth Jones is a podcast featuring host Randall Kenneth Jones (bestselling author, speaker & creative communications consultant) and Susan C. Bennett (the original voice of Siri).
ON THE KNOWS is produced and edited by Kevin Randall Jones.